Combination Mist Steamer and Dryer

ABSTRACT

A combination mist steamer and dryer is provided herein. The combination mist steamer and dryer, notably, includes both the functions of a professional quality mist steamer and a hair dryer into a single device. The combination mist steamer and dryer may also include a plurality of members connected by hinges configured to allow the combination mist steamer and dryer to adopt a compact storage configuration and one or more use configurations. The combination mist steamer and dryer is useful for allowing a user to enjoy professional quality mist hair treatment in a setting of their choosing, using a highly portable device.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/365,211 entitled “COMBINATION MIST STEAMER AND DRYER” filed on May 24, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTS AND TRADE DRESS

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright or trade dress protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter that is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of hair treatment and styling of existing art and more specifically relates to mist steamers for treating hair and dryers for drying and styling hair.

BACKGROUND

Various technologies exist to perform hair treatments and hair styling. However, the machines used are often bulky and require a special-purpose area to house them. Storage and transport of such machines is often difficult and time consuming. Further, access to such machines is limited, as many people do not have the time, resources, or inclination to go to a salon or other specialized space for performing needed hair treatments and styling, or do not find such spaces comfortable.

Therefore, there exists a need for a device that is more accessible and convenient for consumers. Specifically, there is a need for a device that allows a user to obtain salon-quality hair treatments and hair styling from the comfort of the user's home, or at another non-salon or barbershop setting that is convenient or comfortable to the user. Further, there exists a need for a device that is lightweight, compact, and portable, and thus allows for easy transport and storage. Finally, there exists a need for a device that fulfills the above needs while being flexible enough to be used with a variety of users with different heights and body shapes, and in a variety of settings and situations. The present disclosure meets and exceeds these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides for a combination mist steamer and dryer including a top member including one or more hoods and a mist outlet, a mist generator configured to expel mist through the mist outlet, and a hair dryer motor. The one or more hoods are configured to removably attach to the top member, substantially contain mist expelled by the mist outlet, and substantially contain air pushed by the hair dryer motor.

In an embodiment, the combination mist steamer and dryer further includes an intermediate member connected to the top member by a first hinge and a bottom member connected to the intermediate member by a second hinge. The first hinge and the second hinge are configured to allow the top member, the intermediate member, and the bottom member to collapse into a storage configuration when each of the first hinge and the second hinge are closed, in which each of the top member, the intermediate member, and the bottom member lie in parallel planes, the top member abuts the intermediate member, and the intermediate member abuts the bottom member, and adopt one or more use configurations when one or more of the first hinge and the second hinge are open. In a further embodiment, in the storage configuration, the combination mist steamer and dryer has an exterior having a shape substantially similar to a rectangular prism.

In an embodiment, the combination mist steamer and dryer further includes one or more hoses attached to each of the top member and the bottom member, the one or more hoses being configured to direct mist from the mist generator to the mist outlet and being configured to direct air from the hair dryer motor to the one or more hoods. In a further embodiment, at least one hose of the one or more hoses is sloped such that a mist condensate drains through the at least one hose and is prevented from dripping onto a user, wherein the mist condensate is generated when mist is expelled through the mist outlet.

In an embodiment, the top member further includes a semi-permeable cover contacting the mist outlet.

In an embodiment, the one or more hoods include one or more air vents configured to accept at least a first portion of air pushed by the hair dryer motor and one or more diffuser rods configured to accept at least a second portion of air pushed by the hair dryer motor. The one or more hoods are configured to facilitate hair drying of one or more of textured hair and curly hair.

In an embodiment, the combination mist steamer and dryer further includes an intermediate member connected to the top member, a bottom member connected to the intermediate member, the bottom member including an attachment slot, a mist tank, wherein the mist tank, the mist generator, and the hair dryer motor are each configured to attach to the attachment slot, and a hose attached to each of the top member and the bottom member.

In an embodiment, the mist includes ultrasonic mist having particle diameters in the range of 200 nm to 1250 nm.

In an embodiment, the mist generator includes an ultrasound transducer with an operating frequency range of 1.5 to 1.7 MHz.

In an embodiment, the hair dryer motor is configured to pump air at one or more of: a first setting including a low flow rate and a high temperature, a second setting including a high flow rate and a low temperature, and a third setting including a medium flow rate and a medium temperature, and the hair dryer motor is configured to allow a user to independently switch between each of the first setting, the second setting, and the third setting. In a further embodiment, the hair dryer motor is configured to pump air at a maximum flow rate of 400 cf/min. In another further embodiment, the hair dryer motor is configured to pump air at a minimum temperature of 80° F. and a maximum temperature of 220° F.

In an embodiment, the hair dryer motor includes heating coils configured to operate between 800 and 1800 W.

In an embodiment, the hair dryer motor includes a centrifugal ducted fan.

In an embodiment, the combination mist steamer and dryer further includes a mist tank including a volume of 500-1000 mL.

In an embodiment, the combination mist steamer and dryer further includes a digital control panel configured to control at least one or more of mist duration, mist intensity, hair drying duration, hair drying intensity, and hair drying temperature.

Further provided according to the present disclosure is a method of treating hair, including: providing a combination mist steamer and dryer in a use configuration, steaming the hair with mist using the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration, and drying the hair with air using the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration. The combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration is configured to perform the steaming and drying independently or consecutively.

In an embodiment, the combination mist steamer and dryer includes the use configuration and a storage configuration, and the step of providing the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration includes changing from the storage configuration to the use configuration. In a further embodiment, the combination mist steamer and dryer includes a first hinge and a second hinge configured to close in opposing directions, such that when changing between the storage configuration and the use configurations, the combination mist steamer and dryer includes an intermediate configuration approximating a ‘Z’ shape.

The claims should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed hereinabove. To the accomplishment of the above, this disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the disclosure.

Implementations may include one or a combination of any two or more of the aforementioned features or embodiments.

These and other aspects, features, implementations, and advantages can be expressed as methods, apparatuses, systems, components, program products, business methods, and means or steps for performing functions, or some combination thereof.

Other features, aspects, implementations, and advantages will become apparent from the descriptions, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the combination mist steamer and dryer in one of the use configurations according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective magnified view of the bottom member of the combination mist steamer and dryer in one of the use configurations according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the combination mist steamer and dryer in the storage configuration according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto in any manner whatsoever. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

For purposes of the present disclosure of the invention, unless specifically disclaimed, the singular includes the plural and vice-versa, the words “and” and “or” shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive, the words “any” and “all” shall both mean “any and all”.

It is to be understood that parameters disclosed with a range of values may encompass any value within the range and/or may encompass any combination of such ranges. Furthermore, it is to be understood that when open-ended ranges are disclosed, the disclosure includes combinations of such open-ended ranges. Thus, when a variable X is disclosed as being greater than value A, and elsewhere is disclosed as being less than value B, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate that A<X<B is disclosed.

Presently, if one desires to steam and/or treat, and dry and/or style one's hair, this requires the purchase of two separate devices, one for steaming/treating and one for drying/styling. An embodiment of the present invention solves this problem by providing a device which combines a steamer and a dryer into a single device, which relieves the user from having to buy two separate devices, as well as store and maintain such devices. This embodiment of the present invention has the capability to steam treat and dry style all hair types, but is preferably designed to specifically make textured and curly hair maintenance easier.

As disclosed, the combination mist steamer and dryer is preferably intended to allow a user to treat and/or style their hair with professional-grade and/or cosmetology-approved tools, while in a setting of their choosing, such as at the user's home, or any other non-salon or non-barbershop setting. Further, the device is designed to be highly portable and lightweight, particularly in its storage configuration, so that it may easily be moved between locations by a user. Ideally, the device is designed to fit easily within a carrying case, such as a standard carry-on suitcase.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , the present disclosure provides for a combination mist steamer and dryer which may be collapsible from one or more use configurations into a storage configuration. The combination mist steamer and dryer is illustrated in one of its use configurations in FIG. 1 , though it is to be understood that use configurations are not limited to what is illustrated, and may include additional configurations in which the combination mist steamer and dryer may be operated to treat a user's hair.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the combination mist steamer and dryer includes a top member 100, which includes a plurality of sides, with a top surface 120 and a bottom surface 130 extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the top member 100 includes a first cutout 140 configured to attach to the hood 190 and accept a head of a user, preferably where the first cutout 140 connects the top surface 120 to the bottom surface 130. In preferable embodiments, the length of the top member 100 is adjustable, by adjusting the length of one or more of the plurality of sides, to thereby increase the length of the top surface 120 and the bottom surface 130. The adjustability of the length of the top member 100 is useful for many reasons, including the need to adjust to a height of the user, or the user's head shape. In preferable embodiments, the top member 100 includes the top surface 120 and the bottom surface 130 connected and divided by a third hinge 150 disposed therebetween. The third hinge 150 may be useful for adjusting the first cutout 140 to the shape and size of the user's head, as well as adjusting for the user's height. Preferably, the bottom surface 130 is aligned with the nape of the user's neck and the top surface 120 is pivoted away from the user's sightline and angled in the direction of the user's hairline when in use. The third hinge 150 is useful to facilitate such functionality. In a preferable embodiment, the first cutout 140 is shaped in an oblong shape, more preferably in the form of an oblong hexagon. Such oblong shapes are preferred due to the oblong shape of a human head, but other shapes may be used with the device of the present disclosure as well. In some embodiments, the top member 100 further includes a semi-permeable cover 195 contacting the mist outlet 110. The semi-permeable cover 195 may act as a filter, allowing fluids such as mist and air to pass through the semi-permeable cover 195 while blocking solids for the comfort of the user. Furthermore, the semi-permeable cover 195 may include a soft fabric material for the comfort of the user.

The top member 100 comprises one or more hoods 190. FIG. 1 shows a single hood 190, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the hood 190 is configured to attach to the top member 100 and substantially, or at least partially, contain mist expelled by the mist outlet 100. Alternatively or in conjunction, in some embodiments, the hood 190 is configured to attach to the top member 100 and substantially, or at least partially, contain air pushed by the hair dryer motor. In conjunction with the desired portability of the present device, advantageous properties of the hood 190 include: low weight, waterproofing, collapsibility, composition of semi-rigid components, and others. In some embodiments, the hood 190 includes a semi-rigid substructure. In some embodiments, the hood 190 includes features directed towards allowing the hood 190 to securely attach to the top member 100 at one or more attachment points 180, and/or attach to the first cutout 140. Such attachment features include one or more of snaps and/or couplings, such as fabric snap fasteners, and a stiffened lip or rail. In some embodiments, the first cutout 140 includes a recess configured for attachment to the hood 190, and preferably where the stiffened lip or rail is designed to slot inside or rest within the recess when the hood 190 is attached to the top member 100 and/or first cutout 140.

In some embodiments, the one or more hoods 190 include at least a mist hood and a drying hood. In such embodiments, the mist hood is configured to substantially, or at least partially, contain mist expelled by the mist outlet 110, and the drying hood is configured to substantially, or at least partially, contain air pushed by the hair dryer motor. In such embodiments, the one or more hoods 190 are configured to facilitate drying of one or more of curly hair or textured hair. In some further embodiments, the drying hood includes a vented hood and a diffuser hood. In even further embodiments, the vented hood includes one or more air vents configured to accept at least a first portion of air pushed by the hair drying motor for drying the user's hair. In still further embodiments, the air vents are disposed radially and/or equidistant around the vented hood. In other embodiments, the vented hood includes a single air vent circumnavigating the vented hood. In some embodiments, the one or more air vents are configured to dry the user's hair approximately evenly. In some embodiments, the diffuser hood includes a plurality of diffuser rods configured to accept at least a second portion of air pushed by the hair dryer motor through the diffuser rods. In further embodiments, the diffuser rods are disposed radially and/or equidistant around the diffuser hood. In some embodiments, the diffuser rods are configured to dry the user's hair approximately evenly. In some embodiments, the diffuser hood includes the features of a hair dryer diffuser attachment, as is known in the art, and includes at least the features of diffusing a stream of air over a wider area, such that frizz in curls and/or curly hair is at least partially reduced. In some embodiments, the diffuser hood is configured to pass air pushed by the hair dryer motor such that it has centrifugal air movement, preferably such that definition in curls of a user's hair is facilitated. In some embodiments, the mist hood is made at least partially of a semi-rigid and/or a soft material. In some embodiments, the drying hood and/or one or more of the vented hood or diffuser hood is made at least partially of a rigid and/or hard material.

The top member includes a mist outlet 110, which in preferable embodiments includes one or more mist holes configured to allow a vaporized fluid, or admixture of fluid and gas to pass through. As used herein, “mist” includes such vaporized fluids or admixtures of fluid and gas. The mist outlet 110 may also be equipped with a diverter configured to direct mist in one or more desired directions. In preferable embodiments, the diverter may be removably attached to the mist outlet 110. In some embodiments, the diverter may include venturis, specially designed holes, specially designed nozzles, or other flow direction techniques known in the art, to aid in achieving a desired mist dispersion pattern. In some embodiments, the diverter may include a plurality of specialized diverters, each with a different dispersion pattern, depending on the needs of a user. In an embodiment, the mist outlet 110 is disposed on a separate mist outlet member removably attached to the top member 100.

In some embodiments, the combination mist steamer and dryer includes an intermediate member 200 connected to the top member 100 by a first hinge 400. As used herein, “hinge” may mean an actual hinge, such as a friction hinge, but also may include other means of connecting separate parts that allow for functions equivalent to those described herein. Where used, friction hinges may have varying amounts of friction in different directions, and at different hinge locations, depending on the required properties of the device, and/or the needs of the user. Such friction settings may or may not be adjustable. Hinges may have any degree of freedom of movement, and are not limited to any particular angles in their open or closed configurations. Similar to the top member 100 described above, the intermediate member 200 includes a plurality of sides, with a top surface 210 and a bottom surface 220 extending therebetween. In some embodiments, the intermediate member 200 includes a second cutout 230, where the second cutout 230 connects the top surface 210 to the bottom surface 220. In preferable embodiments, the length of the intermediate member 200 is adjustable, by adjusting the length of one or more of the plurality of sides, to thereby increase the length of the top surface 210 and the bottom surface 220. The adjustability of the length of the intermediate member 200 is useful for many reasons, including the need to adjust to a height of the user, or the user's head shape.

In some embodiments, the top member 100 may include a third cutout 160 and/or the intermediate member 200 may include a fourth cutout 240. In such embodiments, the top member 100 may include a top central arm 170 between the first cutout 140 and third cutout 160, and/or the intermediate member 200 may include an intermediate central arm 250 between the second cutout 230 and fourth cutout 240, respectively. In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the top central arm 170 or the intermediate central arm 250 contains a mechanism for adjusting the length of either the top member 100 or the intermediate member 200, respectively. The mechanism for adjusting the length of such members may include switches or buttons paired to locking mechanisms, or through telescoping rods engaging via a limited friction fit, as is well known in the art. For example, FIG. 1 shows the top central arm 170 including buttons 171 and the intermediate central arm 250 including buttons 251 to provide such locking functionality.

In some embodiments, the combination mist steamer and dryer includes a bottom member 300 connected to the intermediate member 200 by a second hinge 500. In further embodiments, the bottom member 300 includes an attachment slot 310 for attachment of one or more components 320 thereto. FIG. 1 shows the attachment slot 310 occupied by such a component 320, though persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the attachment slot 310 and component 320 are not limited to what is illustrated. For instance, attachment slot 310 may be configured to accept a single or multiple components 320, and/or may be configured to accept such component(s) 320 independently, consecutively, and/or simultaneously. Thus, the attachment slot 310 may allow for multiple components 320 to be concurrently attached or may only permit a single component 320 at a time, to the exclusion of other components 320. Furthermore, the one or more components 320 are not limited to any particular type, material, function, or shape, and as described herein, components 320 may independently be configured to attach to the attachment slot 310, configured to attach elsewhere to the combination mist steamer and dryer, or may be entirely separate from the combination mist steamer and dryer. In preferable embodiments, the components 320 provide basic functionality to the combination mist steamer and dryer, such as mist generation functions, storage of fluids for mist generation, and hair drying, or may provide additional functionality on top of such basic functions, such as expanded storage for fluids, storage of hair treatment products, additional drying components for additional drying modes, and other functions that might be typically found in a salon with regard to hair treatment and/or styling.

In some embodiments, the components 320 include those necessary to provide or assist with functions useful in the combination mist steamer and dryer, including control electronics, power supplies, timers, fan controllers, temperature regulation circuitry, and safety interlock logic circuits. In some embodiments, the components 320 include a control panel configured to control at least one or more of mist duration, mist intensity, hair drying duration, hair drying intensity, and hair drying temperature, preferably where the control panel includes control electronics within configured to effect the desired functions of the control panel. In some embodiments, the control panel may be configured to detect the proper attachment of one or more of the components 320 to the attachment slot 310, the one or more hoses 600 to any of the bottom member 300, the top member 100, or the components 320, the one or more hoods 190 to the top member 100 or the one or more hoses 190. In some embodiments, the control panel includes indicator lights, and detection of proper attachment of any of the aforementioned parts by the control panel results in the lighting of a corresponding indicator light. In some embodiments, detection of proper attachment of all required parts for a particular function must be detected by the control panel for the corresponding function to be unlocked and/or enabled by the control panel.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a particular embodiment wherein the one or more components 320 include a mist tank 321 disposed in the attachment slot 310. Though not illustrated, in some embodiments, the components 320 may further or alternatively include the hair dryer motor, which as described above, may be configured to removably attach to the attachment slot 310 in a similar manner as the mist tank 321.

As shown in FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the combination mist steamer and dryer includes a mist tank 321 configured to attach to the attachment slot 310. In other embodiments, the tank 310 may be disposed on any other member, or may be completely separate from the disclosed members, or may be a component of the bottom member 300 and not configured to be attached to the attachment slot 310. However, preferably the mist tank 321 is configured to be disposed on the bottom member 300, in some fashion, whether through attachment to the attachment slot 310 or otherwise, for proper stability.

As shown in FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the mist tank 321 includes a fixed tank member 322 and a removable tank member 323, the removable tank member 323 removably attached to the fixed tank member 322 and the bottom member 300. Preferably, in such dual tank systems, the removable tank 323 serves as a fluid reservoir configured to hold a fluid for use in generating mist. In some embodiments, the removable tank member 323 may hold amounts of fluid from 0.25 L to 2 L, preferably from 0.5 L to 1.5 L, more preferably 0.75 L or 1 L. In some embodiments, the removable tank member 323 may hold amounts of fluid up to 5 L or greater. In some embodiments, the removable tank member 323 holds enough fluid for a mist steaming hair treatment session of between 1 to 3 hours, more preferably 1 to 2 hours. In some embodiments, supplementary removable tanks may be included so as to increase the available run time, and/or increase the available amount of fluid in reserve. In some embodiments, refilling of the removable tank member 323 is also possible to increase the available run time and/or refill the reserve of fluid. In some embodiments, the mist tank 321 has a total volume of 0.5 L to 1 L, greater than 0.5 L, greater than 0.7 L, less than 1.0 L, or less than 0.8 L. In an exemplary embodiment, the removable tank member 323 is composed of a material with significant heat deflection properties, preferably in excess of the boiling temperature of water (212° F.) as the removable tank member 323 may come into contact with such temperatures during the operation of the device. Fluids intended for use within the mist tank 321 include, but are not limited to water, specialized fluids for use in hair care and/or treatment, essential oils, and combinations of the preceding.

The combination mist steamer and dryer includes a mist generator, which in preferable embodiments is a component 320 configured to attach to the attachment slot 310. In other embodiments, the mist generator may be disposed on the top member 100 or the intermediate member 200, or may be completely separate from the disclosed members, or may be a component of the bottom member 300 and not configured to be attached to the attachment slot. However, preferably the mist generator is configured to be disposed on the bottom member 300, in some fashion, whether through attachment to the attachment slot 310 or otherwise, for proper stability. In some embodiments, the mist generator may include one or more mist generation subcomponents such as heating elements, ultrasonic transducers or equivalent components for atomizing a fluid or creating fluid/gas admixtures, temperature sensors, switches to prevent overheating/over temp, fans to direct the created mist, and others as are standard in the industry of salon style hair steamers or misters. In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is capable of heating a fluid to the boiling temperature of water (212° F.) or more.

The mist generated by the mist generator comprises ultrasonic mist having particle diameters in the range of 200 nm to 1250 nm. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic mist has particle diameters in the range of 200 nm to 1250 nm, 400 nm to 1000 nm, 600 nm to 800 nm, greater than 200 nm, greater than 400 nm, greater than 600 nm, greater than 800 nm, less than 1250 nm, less than 1000 nm, less than 800 nm, or less than 600 nm. The mist generator includes an ultrasound transducer for generating mist at the appropriate particle size, and such ultrasound transducer may operate at an operating frequency range of 1.5 to 1.7 MHz. Mist intensity may be defined by a combination of several different parameters controlled by components of the combination mist steamer and dryer, including fan speed, transducer intensity, heating temperature, and others.

In some embodiments, the mist generator is disposed within the fixed tank member 322. In some embodiments, the removable tank member 323 includes a protrusion configured to mate with a counterpart component on the fixed tank member 322. In some embodiments, the fixed tank member 322 includes a drain valve for draining residual fluid in the fixed tank member 322. In some embodiments, the removable tank member 323 includes a drain cap, disposed on the protrusion. In preferable embodiments, the drain cap is removably attached to the removable tank member 323. In some embodiments, the drain cap includes a spring-loaded sealing plunger which is actuated by the counterpart component. In some embodiments, the drain cap includes mechanisms, such as slots, configured to regulate fluid exchange with the fixed tank member 322, and/or regulate fluid level within the fixed tank member 322. In some embodiments, the counterpart component includes a plunger. The plunger may include a spring loaded with a seal, preferably an elastomer seal. Such plunger may, in some embodiments, be actuated by a separate component included in the fixed tank member 322. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2 , the fixed tank member 322 includes a hose attachment 324 configured to attach to the one or more hoses 600. Any one or more of the components 320 may include one or more hose attachments 324 for coupling to the one or more hoses 600.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mist generator in the fixed tank member 322 generates mist, when attached to the attachment slot 310, which is directed into the mist hose and forced by a fan through the mist outlet 110 and into the mist hood, although in other embodiments where there is only one hood 190 or one hose 600, multifunctional versions of these elements may be substituted in. In an exemplary embodiment, the hair dryer motor, when attached to the attachment slot 310, pushes heated air through the air hose, into drying hood, and/or vented hood or diffuser hood, although in other embodiments where there is only one hood 190 or one hose 600, multifunctional versions of these elements may be substituted in.

In some embodiments, the bottom member 300 also includes a drain port, preferably disposed on a bottom surface of the bottom member 300. The drain port may be configured to drain fluid from the fixed tank member 322, the removable tank member 323, or both. In an exemplary embodiment, the drain port is configured to mate with the protrusion on the removable tank member 323, and drain excess fluid directly into the removable tank member 323, for disposal or other use. The drain port may be used to drain excess fluid from the combination mist steamer and dryer after use if the device is to be placed into long term storage, or otherwise moved, to prevent storage.

The combination mist steamer and dryer includes a hair dryer motor, which in preferable embodiments is a component 320 configured to attach to the attachment slot 310. In other embodiments, the hair dryer motor may be disposed on the top member 100 or the intermediate member 200, or may be completely separate from the disclosed members, or may be a part of the bottom member 300 and not configured to be attached to the attachment slot 310. In some embodiments, the hair dryer motor comprises a motor configured to drive a fan, preferably where both elements are configured to push an amount of air sufficient to dry a user's hair. In some embodiments, the hair dryer motor includes a heating element, preferably configured to heat the amount of air pushed by the hair dryer motor to a variety of temperatures, depending on the needs of the user, more preferably configured to heat the air pushed by the hair dryer motor to a variety of temperatures suited to dry hair.

In some embodiments, the hair dryer motor comprises heating coils configured to operate between 800 and 1800 W, between 1000 and 1600 W, between 1200 and 1400 W, greater than 800 W, greater than 1000 W, greater than 1200 W, less than 1800 W, less than 1600 W, less than 1400 W, or less than 1200 W. In some embodiments, the hair dryer motor is configured to pump air at a temperature between 80° F. and 220° F., between 100 and 200° F., between 130 and 170° F., greater than 80° F. (i.e., a minimum temperature of 80° F.), greater than 100° F., greater than 120° F., greater than 140° F., greater than 160° F., greater than 180° F., less than 220° F. (i.e., a maximum temperature of 220° F.), less than 200° F., less than 180° F., less than 160° F., or less than 140° F. In some embodiments, the hair dryer motor is configured to pump air at a flow rate greater than 0 cf/min, greater than 50 cf/min, greater than 100 cf/min, greater than 150 cf/min, greater than 200 cf/min, greater than 250 cf/min, greater than 300 cf/min, less than 400 cf/min (i.e., a maximum flow rate of 400 cf/min), less than 350 cf/min, less than 300 cf/min, less than 250 cf/min, less than 200 cf/min, less than 150 cf/min, or less than 100 cf/min.

In some embodiments, the hair dryer motor is configured to pump air at one or more of: a first setting comprising a low flow rate and a high temperature, a second setting comprising a high flow rate and a low temperature, and a third setting comprising a medium flow rate and a medium temperature. In such embodiments, the hair dryer motor is configured to allow a user to independently switch between each of the first setting, the second setting, and the third setting. For instance, in a particular embodiment, the hair dryer motor is only operable at one setting at a time, at the first setting, the second setting, or the third setting, and may be switched independently between each of the settings by the user. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hair dryer motor is not limited to such settings and may include any number of settings to allow a user to adjust air heat and flow rate. Each of the first setting, the second setting, the third setting, and any other settings may independently include any combination of the temperature and flow rate ranges described herein, as well as other temperatures and flow rates readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the hair dryer motor comprises at least one centrifugal ducted fan.

In some embodiments, the bottom member 300 includes a bottom cutout 330 for use in storing a power cord 340 or power supply equivalent, such as a power cord 340 with a power block 350. In some embodiments, the bottom member 300 may include ballast or other weight adjustments in order to stabilize the combination mist steamer and dryer when in use.

In some embodiments, the combination mist steamer and dryer includes one or more hoses 600, preferably attached to each of the top member 100 and the bottom member 300. In some embodiments, the hose 600 may also attach directly to the mist tank 321 or the hair dryer motor, when either of these components 320 is attached to the attachment slot 310. In some embodiments, the hoses 600 include a mist hose and an air hose. In some embodiments, the hose 600 is configured to direct mist from the mist generator to the mist outlet. In some embodiments, the hose 600 is configured to direct air pushed by the hair dryer motor to the hood 190. In embodiments where the hoses 600 include a mist hose and an air hose, the mist hose may be specialized for directing mist and the air hose may be specialized for directing air. In some embodiments, a single hose 600 may perform both functions of directing mist and air. The hose 600 preferably is removably attachable to one or more of the top member 100 and the bottom member 300. In preferred embodiments, the hose 600 has advantageous material properties, such as flexibility, waterproofing, durability, and heat resistance. In some embodiments, the hose 600 is composed of a single piece, but in other embodiments, the hose 600 may be multiple pieces, or multiple separate hoses 600, depending on the needs of the device and/or user. In some embodiments, the bottom member 300 includes a fan configured to force mist through the hose 600, and through the mist outlet 110 at the top member 100. In some embodiments, at least one hose 600, preferably the mist hose, is sloped such that a mist condensate drains through the hose 600 and is prevented from dripping onto a user. The mist condensate is generated when mist is expelled through the mist outlet 110. Dripping mist condensate may be an uncomfortable sensation to the user, and the sloped hose 600 therefore increases the comfort of the user during and after steaming.

FIG. 3 shows the combination mist steamer and dryer in the storage configuration. As described above, the combination mist steamer and dryer is collapsible from one or more use configurations into the storage configuration. In some embodiments, the first hinge 400 and the second hinge 500 are configured to allow the top member 100, the intermediate member 200, and the bottom member 300 to collapse into the storage configuration when each of the first hinge and the second hinge are closed, in which each of the top member 100, the intermediate member 200, and the bottom member 300 lie in parallel planes, the top member 100 abuts the intermediate member 200, and the intermediate member 200 abuts the bottom member 300. In such embodiments, the first hinge 400 and second hinge 500 are further configured to allow the top member 100, the intermediate member 200, and the bottom member 300 to adopt one or more use configurations when one or more of the first hinge 400 and the second hinge are open 500 (as was described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The configurations of at least the first hinge 400 and the second hinge 500 (or more hinges if there are more than three members), and the respective storage configurations may include an exterior having or resembling one or more of the configuration of: an accordion and/or ‘S’ or ‘Z’-shaped fold approximating a rectangular prism, where the hinges are closed in alternating directions, and a ‘U’-shaped fold or roll fold, where the hinges are closed in the same direction. In a particular embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the combination mist steamer and dryer in the storage configuration comprises an exterior having a shape substantially similar to a rectangular prism. In this form, the combination mist steamer and dryer in the storage configuration is substantially flat, compact, and has a low form factor, which allows for easy storage and transport.

In some embodiments, the one or more use configurations include a configuration for use on a floor, a configuration for use on a table, and a configuration for use on a raised platform at an intermediate height between a table and a floor. The one or more use configurations may involve some combination of opening and angling of each of the first 400, second 500, third 150, or more hinges, extension or contraction of the length of each of the top member 100 or intermediate member 200, and adjustment of positioning of the device relative to the user in order to adjust for factors such as the height of each of the table, raised platform, or floor relative to the height of the user, the shape of the user's head and/or body, the surface on which the user is seated, and associated properties of such seating surface, such as shape and height, and the properties of the surface of the table, raised platform, or floor on which the device is rested during use. Ideally, the designed features of the disclosed device are flexible enough to adjust to each of these factors, using engineering methods as known in the art. Although the combination mist steamer and dryer is preferably configured for use with a seated user, such as a seated user on a chair or couch or equivalent surface, use with a standing user or otherwise disposed user may also be contemplated.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , each of the first cutout 140 and the second cutout 230 are configured to accept the component 320 when the combination mist steamer and dryer is collapsed into the storage configuration. In further embodiments where the component 320 is the mist tank 321, the mist tank 321 may protrude from the surface of the bottom member 300 to allow for greater volume of fluid in the mist tank 321, and thus each of the first cutout 140 and second cutout 230 may be sized and/or configured to accept this protrusion in the storage configuration so as to ensure that the size and/or height of the storage configuration is not significantly greater that the size and/or height of the bottom member 300 including the mist tank 321, or the size and/or height of the top member 100, intermediate member 200, and bottom member 300 excluding the mist tank 321 when stacked.

The combination mist steamer and dryer of the present disclosure is preferably made of materials with desirable lightweight, durability, and flexibility properties, such as polymers known in the art. Certain internal structures may be made of metals, other polymers, or composites, where greater stiffness, strength, durability, or other properties are required. For example, extendable guides used in conjunction with the length adjustment features of the top member 100 and/or intermediate member 200 may be made of metals, polymers, and or composite materials, as appropriate, due to the increased stiffness, strength, and/or durability required of such components. Rigid light-weight materials may be preferably used in the top member 100 and/or intermediate member 200 to prevent flexing in the device and/or destabilization of the device when under full extension and/or load from the hose and/or hood attachment. As previously noted, the bottom member 300 may also have ballast or other weight adjustments in order to ensure that the device is stabilized no matter if the bottom member 300 is disposed below, at the same height, or above the user, or at any height between the stated heights, when in use.

In some embodiments, the combination mist steamer and dryer may also include self-disinfecting and/or sanitizing functions, similar to those known in the art. The hood 190 may be designed to aid in such function by being removable and separately washable.

Further provided herein is a method of treating a user's hair, which includes providing the combination mist steamer and dryer in a use configuration, steaming the user's hair with mist using the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration, and drying the user's hair with air using the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration. The combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration is configured to perform the steaming and drying independently or consecutively. That is, the steaming and drying may each be performed multiple times, independently or consecutively, and in any order. Steaming and drying methods are well known in the art, and those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the combination mist steamer and dryer is capable of performing the steaming and the drying according to known methods.

The user may preferably store the device in the storage configuration. In such cases, in order to use the device, the user preferably changes the device from the storage configuration to one or more use configurations. Thus, the step of providing the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration may include a step of changing from the storage configuration to the use configuration. When changing between the configurations, the device may adopt one or more intermediate configurations representing a transitional state and may approximate a “Z” shape. Though not illustrated, one of ordinary skill the art will readily envision such intermediate configurations from the disclosure and drawings provided herein.

It is understood that when an element is referred hereinabove as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.

It is further understood that, although ordinal terms, such as, “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer and/or section from another element, component, region, layer and/or section. Thus, a “first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” and/or “section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer and/or section without departing from the teachings herein.

Features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment and such variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Implementations may also include one or a combination of any two or more of the aforementioned features or embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, are used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.

As the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

The claims should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed hereinabove. To the accomplishment of the above, this disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the disclosure.

The disclosure is illustrated throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination mist steamer and dryer, comprising: a top member comprising one or more hoods and a mist outlet; a mist generator configured to expel mist through the mist outlet; and a hair dryer motor, wherein the one or more hoods are configured to removably attach to the top member, substantially contain mist expelled by the mist outlet, and substantially contain air pushed by the hair dryer motor.
 2. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, further comprising: an intermediate member connected to the top member by a first hinge; and a bottom member connected to the intermediate member by a second hinge, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to allow the top member, the intermediate member, and the bottom member to collapse into a storage configuration when each of the first hinge and the second hinge are closed, in which each of the top member, the intermediate member, and the bottom member lie in parallel planes, the top member abuts the intermediate member, and the intermediate member abuts the bottom member, and adopt one or more use configurations when one or more of the first hinge and the second hinge are open.
 3. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 2, wherein in the storage configuration, the combination mist steamer and dryer comprises an exterior having a shape substantially similar to a rectangular prism.
 4. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, further comprising one or more hoses attached to each of the top member and a bottom member, the one or more hoses being configured to direct mist from the mist generator to the mist outlet and being configured to direct air from the hair dryer motor to the one or more hoods.
 5. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 4, wherein at least one hose of the one or more hoses is sloped such that a mist condensate drains through the at least one hose and is prevented from dripping onto a user, wherein the mist condensate is generated when mist is expelled through the mist outlet.
 6. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, wherein the top member further comprises a semi-permeable cover contacting the mist outlet.
 7. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, wherein the one or more hoods comprise: one or more air vents configured to accept at least a first portion of air pushed by the hair dryer motor; and one or more diffuser rods configured to accept at least a second portion of air pushed by the hair dryer motor, wherein the one or more hoods are configured to facilitate hair drying of one or more of textured hair and curly hair.
 8. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, further comprising: an intermediate member connected to the top member; a bottom member connected to the intermediate member, the bottom member comprising an attachment slot; a mist tank, wherein the mist tank, the mist generator, and the hair dryer motor are each configured to attach to the attachment slot; and a hose attached to each of the top member and the bottom member.
 9. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, wherein the mist comprises ultrasonic mist having particle diameters in the range of 200 nm to 1250 nm.
 10. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 8, wherein the mist generator comprises an ultrasound transducer with an operating frequency range of 1.5 to 1.7 MHz.
 11. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, wherein the hair dryer motor is configured to pump air at one or more of: a first setting comprising a low flow rate and a high temperature, a second setting comprising a high flow rate and a low temperature, and a third setting comprising a medium flow rate and a medium temperature, and the hair dryer motor is configured to allow a user to independently switch between each of the first setting, the second setting, and the third setting.
 12. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 11, wherein the hair dryer motor is configured to pump air at a maximum flow rate of 400 cf/min.
 13. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 11, wherein the hair dryer motor is configured to pump air at a minimum temperature of 80° F. and a maximum temperature of 220° F.
 14. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, wherein the hair dryer motor comprises heating coils configured to operate between 800 and 1800 W.
 15. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, wherein the hair dryer motor comprises a centrifugal ducted fan.
 16. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, further comprising a mist tank comprising a volume of 500-1000 mL.
 17. The combination mist steamer and dryer of claim 1, further comprising a digital control panel configured to control at least one or more of mist duration, mist intensity, hair drying duration, hair drying intensity, and hair drying temperature.
 18. A method of treating hair, comprising: providing a combination mist steamer and dryer in a use configuration; steaming the hair with mist using the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration; drying the hair with air using the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration, wherein the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration is configured to perform the steaming and drying independently or consecutively.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the combination mist steamer and dryer comprises the use configuration and a storage configuration, and the providing the combination mist steamer and dryer in the use configuration comprises changing from the storage configuration to the use configuration.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the combination mist steamer and dryer comprises a first hinge and a second hinge configured to close in opposing directions, such that when changing between the storage configuration and the use configurations, the combination mist steamer and dryer comprises an intermediate configuration approximating a ‘Z’ shape. 